Belize - Working conditions

Unemployment was estimated at 14.3 percent in 1998, among a total
workforce of 71,000. Workers in Belize have the right to organize
unions, and the law bars discrimination against employees on the basis
of union affiliation. However, it is not uncommon for union sympathizers
to be fired on grounds purportedly unrelated to their union activities.
Effective redress for workers in this situation is difficult. They can
file complaints with the Labor Department, but their cases are often
difficult to prove. There were 11 unions in Belize in 2000 whose members
comprised about 11 percent of the workforce. While officially the unions
are independent of the political parties, most hold strong sympathies
for either the UDP or the PUP.

Forced labor in Belize is forbidden by law, as is child labor. Children
under the age of 14 are not permitted to enter the workforce, and those
under 17 are not allowed to operate dangerous machinery. Children
between 5 and 14 years old are required to attend school, although
truancy and dropout rates are significant.

There is a minimum wage in Belize which applies to all full-time
workers. The wage is generally set at US$1.10 per hour but fluctuates
depending on the field of work. Those in the export industries receive
at least US$1.00 per hour. Domestic workers in private homes and shop
assistants are paid an hourly minimum rate of US$0.87. The minimum wage,
as a sole source of income, is not enough to provide a decent standard
of living. Most workers are paid more than the minimum. The standard
workweek is 45 hours over 6 days. Anything more is considered overtime.
Over the course of a year workers are given 13 public holidays and 2
weeks vacation.

Working conditions for documented workers are fairly good. For
undocumented workers, especially the Hispanic laborers who make their
livings on the banana farms, things can be more difficult. Worker
housing on banana farms often lacks running water and electricity. Many
times this housing is placed close to the fields, where exposure to
pesticides is high. There are health and safety regulations in Belize
covering numerous industries. However, enforcement and inspection are
generally limited to urban areas or accessible rural areas where
violations have been reported.